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Characteristics, History, and Health
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a small herding breed that originated in Pembrokeshire, Wales. They're known for their intelligence, affectionate nature, and distinctive appearance, with their short legs and long bodies. The history of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is intertwined with Welsh folklore, which suggests that they were once ridden by fairies and elves in the forest. This charming myth explains the characteristic markings on the coat, believed to be left by fairy harnesses and saddles. The breed is believed to have descended from Swedish Vallhunds, which were brought to Wales by the Vikings in the 9th and 10th centuries. They've been used as herding dogs for centuries, capable of working with cattle, sheep, and ponies. Pembrokes gained prominence in the UK during the 20th century when King George VI (then the Duke of York) brought one named ""Dookie"" into the royal family. Queen Elizabeth II, his daughter, has been a Pembroke Welsh Corgi enthusiast since she was a child, owning more than 30 during her reign.
Main Info
- Origin
- Wales (Pembrokeshire)
- Alternate Names
- Pembrokes, Welsh Corgis
- Life Expectancy
- 12-13 years
- Average Male Height
- 10-12 inches
- Average Female Height
- 10-12 inches
- Average Male Weight
- 30 pounds & under
- Average Female Weight
- 28 pounds & under
- Coat Length
- Short
- Coat Type
- Double
- Coat Colors
- Black & Tan, Fawn, Red, Sable
- Coat Pattern
- White Markings
Genetic Predispositions and Health
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is prone to intervertebral disk disease, hip dysplasia, epilepsy, exercise-induced collapse, early onset degenerative myelopathy, von Willebrand disease, urinary stones, chondrodystrophy (with or without chondrodysplasia), Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and severe combined immunodeficiency disease. They can also suffer from eye disorders including primary lens luxation, progressive retinal atrophy.
Personality and Behavior
Pembrokes are known for their friendly, intelligent, and playful nature. They're extremely active and require regular exercise to keep fit and healthy. They're also quite good with children and get along well with other animals, making them excellent family pets9.
Due to their herding background, they have a strong sense of duty and can be a bit stubborn, but this also makes them quick learners. They're eager to please their owners and are often successful in obedience, agility, and herding competitions.
Fun Facts
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are born with a variety of tail lengths. In the past, it was common practice to dock their tails, but this is increasingly considered unethical and is even illegal in many places.
The Pembroke is the more popular of the two Corgi breeds.
Corgi means "dwarf dog" in Welsh.
Queen Elizabeth II's last corgi, Willow, passed away in 2018, marking the end of the Royal Corgi line that had been in the family for nearly 80 years.
References
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/pembroke-welsh-corgi/
https://www.fci.be/en/nomenclature/WELSH-CORGI-PEMBROKE-39.html
https://www.ukcdogs.com/pembroke-welsh-corgi
https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/c_dg_pembroke_welsh_corgi
https://www.pawprintgenetics.com/products/breeds/41/
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